Overseas Study
Learn about Sustainable Biomaterials, and get course credit.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Learn about how sustainable natural resources such as forest and water are used for economic development in some of the most exotic countries in the world. The program combines classroom instruction with real-world projects. Professor Bob Bush leads two trips each year — a spring break excursion to Ireland and a trip downunder, exploring Australia and New Zealand in May and June.
The trips are open to students in any major, and students majoring in Sustainable Biomaterials or Packaging may choose to take part in other international trips.
To find out more information about the programs available check the opportunities throughout CNRE and the university:
Students stand atop a natural stone arch in Ireland
Consider studying in Ireland over Spring Break, March 7-16, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience Ireland's wild Atlantic coast
- Visit the ancient Celtic sites at the Hill of Tara and Cavan Burren
- Experience the Sliabh Liag (Europe's highest sea cliffs)
- Explore O'Donnell Castle and Donegal town
- Learn of the Irish immigrant experience and its connection with Virginia
- Visit the walled city of Derry in Northern Ireland
- Learn surfing in the surf capital of Ireland (optional)
- Experience the beauty of Arranmore Island - Enjoy Irish food and music
ESSENTIALS
- Earn course credits at Virginia Tech (either three or six credit hours)
- Open to all majors with no prerequisites
- The course includes in-person meetings in Blacksburg before and after travel to Ireland as well as an online program.
CONTACT
- Professor Robert Bush at rbush@vt.edu
students in a casual pose near the coast of Ireland
A group of 27 Virginia Tech students in Australia
Consider a short course studying in Australia and New Zealand, May-June, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS
- Snorkel and study the Great Barrier Reef
- Study the oldest tropical rainforest in the world and observe the rainforest canopy from 154 ft high research crane
- Visit a kiwi hatchery and a glow work cave
- Spend time on beautiful Magnetic Island: snorkel the reef and study the resident koala and wallaby populations
- Experience the indigenous cultures and unique wildlife of Australia and New Zealand
- Learn about conservation and sustainability from local scientists
- Visit the biobank that is saving coral species for the future
ESSENTIALS
- Earn course credits at Virginia Tech (either three or six credit hours)
- Open to all majors
- Satisfy experiential learning requirements
Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef
